Edmonton Transit Runs First Test of Smart Card Technology

A new smart-card system is being tested in Edmonton, Alberta for the city's Light Rail Transit System. University of Alberta workers are the first riders who are testing the new smart-card technology, which would replace tickets and passes if implemented.

The almost 200 university workers testing the system will provide useful information for officials at Edmonton Transit during the two-month long project. The test runs will give insights into the costs of switching to smart-card technology and how to make the new system widely available.

Recommendations based on the tests will be made by Edmonton Transit by the end of 2009. Pending approval from the Edmonton city council, smart-card technology could be implemented within the next two to three years.